Everything Everywhere Daily · Sunday, July 26, 2026
Following his arrest and a death sentence for treason in 1838, Joseph Smith and other Mormons escaped to Illinois, establishing a new settlement called Nauvoo. Smith's growing political power and public declaration to run for president, coupled with the practice of polygamy, led to anti-Mormon sentiment and the destruction of a newspaper. Smith was arrested again in 1844 and killed by an anti-Mormon mob, after which Mormons were forced to leave Illinois in 1846.
“Joseph Smith was arrested and convicted of treason in 1838.”
“He was arrested in 1844 and charged again with treason.”
“He was killed in June of that year when an anti-Mormon mob attacked the jail.”
“However, hatred towards Mormons continued, leading the group being forced out of Illinois in 1846.”